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Don’t Get Stuck in the Rut

Don’t Get Stuck in the Rut

I recently heard someone say, “God is adamant to get you out, and Satan (represented by forces like Pharaoh, Herod, Haman) is adamant to keep you in.”

This is very true! However, the choice is yours; to remain or not remain in the rut of life we sometimes incidentally, or accidentally, find ourselves in.

When God decided to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, a land representing bondage, affliction, slavery, hardship, struggles, and adversity; halfway into the land which God has promised- a land which He himself discovered and explored for them, a good land – a land flowing with milk and honey, the best of lands anywhere. (Ezekiel 20:6)

But halfway into the journey due to shortages in supplies they started complaining and grumbling.

“We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!” (Numbers 11:5-6)

They started to react to their situation, to being stuck in a rut. This is a common occurrence for so many of us Christians. Sometimes it’s a bad breakup, the loss of a job, or an illness.

Why do people get stuck?

There are many reasons why we feel stuck, can’t move forward, or move on from our situation. Sometimes it is out fear. We may have gotten comfortable with our situation, position, or status. This can make the difference from being a nurse or doctor. A worker or manager. We may be basking in the glory of the past. We may also be attached to the wrong place or people.

It is during these trying and uncertain times that our faith is tested. Remember Lot’s wife? We must push ourselves to move forward. God reminds us that there is always much more to be achieved. There is much more land to acquire and occupy. That there are greater heights to climb.

Getting stuck in a rut is often done by accident or design. Why are you ending a bad relationship? Did you not listen to God’s warnings? Why has your career not taken off? Are you seeking God’s guidance upon your destiny?

To achieve such feats we must get rid of the victim mentality. We must find meaning in our suffering and find ways to start over. We must reach out to our destiny helpers. Seek those that we can trust and are helpful. Those that are willing to be our accountability partners.

When we refuse to get out of the rut we become emotionally and physically drained. We may become depressed, face anxiety, pressure, fear, guilt, shame, grief, and low self-esteem. This can have long-term effects such as memory loss, flashbacks, nightmares, indecision, poor concentration, lack of focus, or poor judgment. Physically, we may suffer from body aches, headaches, or heartaches.

Staying in a rut often leads to behavioral changes as well. We may experience loneliness, withdrawal, insomnia, unhealthy eating habit, and suspicion of those closest to us.

How do we move forward?

The good news is that God wants to give us a fresh start! He wants us to be forward thinkers. Your problem is not peculiar. Others have gone through it, are going through it, or will go through it. As a child of God, do not feel out of place. Trust and lean on God for divine guidance and settlement.

Redefine your life and goals. Look at your experiences and challenges as an opportunity to learn. Experience is not what happens to a man, it is what a man does with what happens to him.

Move on! Things don’t just change; we have to make the change. It is all about choice. Always remember, the best is yet to come. Much more is always ahead. It is not what happens to us, but how we explain it to ourselves that matters. Pessimists will see a setback as a permanent and unchangeable situation. Optimist on the other hand see setbacks as temporary, reminding themselves that things will eventually turn around.

You can’t change your past, but you can control its effect on your future. When in an adverse situation, do not make decisions. Be careful, be prayerful.

You have to be determined and decisive about getting out of the rut. In the scripture it took the woman with the issue of blood and the blind Bartimaeus’ strong determination to get out a rut despite all the obstacles and hindrances in their way. They realized there is much more they can be and still do. They did not waste the opportunity of a chance encounter with their God.

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Damola Treasure Okenla (DTO) is the author of several Christian and inspirational books, a sought-after inspirational speaker, certified life coach, and transformational prayer strategist. She has dedicated her life to uplifting others and helping her clients grow and develop spiritually.

Her blog posts, like her books, reflects her passion and mission to advocate spiritual freedom and empowerment of individuals. Learn more HERE